The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on government authorities, development partners, and the private sector to scale up investments in child health and nutrition in Nigeria, warning that millions of children remain at risk of malnutrition.
In a statement released today, UNICEF stressed that inadequate nutrition continues to be a leading cause of child mortality and stunted growth across the country. Despite ongoing interventions, Nigeria still records some of the highest rates of child malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to UNICEF, malnutrition in early childhood not only threatens survival but also hampers brain development, learning capacity, and future productivity. The agency emphasized that addressing this crisis requires a multi-sectoral approach, including:
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Expanding access to nutritious food for children and pregnant women.
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Strengthening primary healthcare services to detect and treat malnutrition early.
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Providing social protection programs for vulnerable households.
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Enhancing water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) systems to prevent disease-linked undernutrition.
UNICEF’s Nigeria Representative noted that while efforts are ongoing, funding gaps remain a major challenge.
“Every child deserves the right start in life. Malnutrition robs children of their potential and undermines national development. By increasing investment in health and nutrition, Nigeria can save lives, reduce poverty, and strengthen its human capital,” the statement read.
Nigeria’s northern states continue to bear the brunt of the crisis, with millions of children affected by severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Experts warn that climate change, poverty, and insecurity in food-producing regions are further worsening the situation.
UNICEF is urging Nigeria’s federal and state governments to prioritize nutrition in policy planning and budget allocation, stressing that the dividends will extend beyond health to include education, economic growth, and national stability.
As the country faces overlapping challenges of insecurity and economic strain, tackling child malnutrition remains both a moral imperative and a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future.